Latest Technologies offered by prominent automakers at CES 2016

MANILA: As of now, the 2016 Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas (January 6-9, 2016) has ended showcasing the future of automobile sector, this year we witnessed a trend of introducing electric concept vehicles installed with amazing technologies. People are very excited to see these technologies in the upcoming production line-up. The prominent automakers have been indulged into making efficient featured vehicles in order to enhance the drive. These technologies not only offer amazing user interface but also play an important role in making drive safe and comfortable. The technologies range from smartphone connectivity, autonomous parking features, hand gestures, and voice command operation. We will take a quick review of the CES 2016, pointing the major technological reveals by prominent automobile manufacturers.

This Year at CES 2016, BMW has emerged as a great innovator by launching its two major concept supercar models, namely, BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Spyder Mirrorless Concept. The i8 Spyder Concept is installed with a 1.5-litre gasoline engine paired to a plug-in hybrid system while the i3 Concept is the all-electric beast which is pre-programmed to charge and park autonomously. BMW has introduced AirTouch technology that helps you to control your car using gestures. According to the automaker, the AirTouch technology is an extended version of the Gesture control system, already offered with BMW 7-series. The key features of AirTouch are:

It can be used by both driver and Passenger simultaneously

AirTouch will have dedicated control buttons for final physical confirmation

It won’t be limited to 7-series model. The company will install AirTouch in other series as well

The technology offers a wider compatibility while connecting smartphones, tablets, and integrate navigation system

Volvo has received an amazing attention in this year’s Consumer Electronic Show. With its Microsoft collaboration, Volvo Cars seeks to introduce more autonomous vehicles in the near future. Volvo is also working on the advancement of technologies by partnering with IT giants like Ericsson and Microsoft. The latest offering from Volvo is the ‘Volvo on Call App’ & Microsoft Band 2. These technologies will change the entire connectivity scenario. Microsoft Band 2 is a wearable accessory which facilitates to command the car. The vehicle receives the commands and processes it instantly. Another major product is the Volvo HoloLens, which enable 3D projection of the vehicle in order to get a better understanding and analysis.

Chevrolet introduced its all-electric 2017 Bolt EV at the CES 2016. The company aims to put this vehicle in the production line-up in order to push zero-emissions. The automaker claims that the new Bolt EV can travel 200 miles on a fully charged battery. GM is looking forward to introduce more affordable all-electric models in the coming years. The Bolt EV comes with amazing internet connectivity features like GM's OnStar 4G, integrated with the touchscreen and MyLink feature. These features transform the panel to a WiFi hotspot. Additionally, the vehicle will be interlinked with the MyChevrolet app, which provides Service schedule, interior HVAC preconditioning, charge status, and Map service. We may expect Bolt EV hitting the production line by the end of 2016.

Faraday Future & McLaren Concept cars

Faraday Future has launched its single seater all-electric 60 kwh car, FFZERO1 concept. The concept is built with light and rigid chassis. The electric motors churns out a maximum power of 1,000 bhp. It comes loaded with some latest features like advance suspension setup and a multi-touch screen.

Meanwhile, McLaren has also revealed its new 675LT JVCKENWOOD Concept in the 2016 CES. McLaren has developed the concept car with the collaboration of JVCKENWOOD. It comes with the advanced Head-Up Display (Mirrorless HUD) that provides great assistance to the driver while driving. For better all-round view, the company has installed additional cameras at the rear part.

Looking to the above offerings by respective automaker, it is crystal clear that the auto industry is drifting towards a major change and the coming years will witness the testing of hybrid and all-electric powered vehicles. The companies will also be focused on adapting modern technologies that will make driving safe and exciting.